pistols, on the capstan. "What are you staring at,
you fools?--have you lost your senses? Open the after-hatch, and bring
them up, one at a time. Get the plank ready."

The first who was led bound before the captain was the steward of the
ship. He was deadly pale, and trembled very much.

"Now, my man," said the captain, "answer my questions. The _truth_
mind, else--" he touched the butt of a pistol significantly.

"Where did you last sail from?"

To my amazement, the man gave the name of the port from which we
ourselves had sailed. I felt certain that this was a falsehood, and
that the poor man's life would be forfeited. Judge, then, my surprise
when the captain said--

"I know that as well as you. I saw you sneak out just the day before we
did. But you didn't escape me, ha! ha! You are too good to live, my
man. Stand aside here till I call someone who's not quite so
frightened. Here, hold him, one of you! Bring another!"

I started. My heart almost ceased to beat when the next man was led
forward. He was my father's man-servant, Edwards. In the confusion and
horror of that hour I could not reason; but a vague sense of some
mysterious impossibility having actually taken place, oppressed me in a
way that I cannot explain. The ship had sailed the day before ours did!
I left Edwards behind me in the race from home! How, then, did I see
him before me? Then the cage of wild beasts. How was it possible that
a vessel leaving an English port could have such creatures on board?
Then, my father's letter; it seemed more than ever mysterious how that
letter could reach me, and through such a channel, and without a word of
reference to Edwards.

He did not observe me as he passed. I tried to utter his name; but my
tongue was tied. I could not speak. I could not move.

"Where did you last sail from?" began the captain.

"You'll get nothing out of me," replied Edwards, stoutly. "Do your
most. Torture me if you like. I defy you to your teeth."

"Do you, my fine fellow?" said the captain, with a bitter sneer. "Then
I'll just send you overboard at once. I've no time to torture you; and
as I shall find plenty of your comrades willing enough to tell me all
they know, I'll not trouble you any further. Ho! run out the plank
there!"

I knew what that meant, and a cold shiver passed through my frame as the
men obeyed, and blind-folded Edwards, preparatory to making him walk the
plank. I could restra